BEND, Ore. — A couple narrowly escaped a house fire Saturday evening, thanks to the quick warning from their smoke alarms. The fire broke out around 9:50 p.m., just an hour after the couple had gone to bed.

Upon hearing the alarms, the couple quickly discovered heavy smoke emanating from their wood-burning stove’s flue. The fire had started inside the closed flue, directly above the stove, where radiant heat had ignited nearby insulation. Earlier in the evening, the couple had used the stove to start a fire for warmth.

Fire crews arrived within minutes of receiving the call and were able to quickly contain the blaze to the flue, preventing it from spreading further into the home.

Thanks to the timely alerts from the smoke alarms, the couple was able to safely evacuate, taking their pets and some personal belongings with them. The damage to the home is estimated to be between $10,000 and $15,000.

Bend Fire & Rescue has used the incident to emphasize the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms. With the cold weather driving up the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, the department is reminding homeowners to ensure their smoke detectors are in working order. For those in need of assistance, Bend Fire & Rescue encourages residents to reach out at 541-322-6300 or visit the department’s website for further help.

This close call serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety measures in the home, particularly during the winter months.